Laos Tours

Customs Regulations

Antique items for example Buddha images and other old artifacts are prohibited to be taken out of Laos. If you have already traveled from neighboring countries, you are advised to declare you belongings to the customs to avoid any problems when leaving Laos.

It is prohibited for any visitor to bring into Lao the followings:

- Weapons, explosives and inflammable objects.

- Opium and other narcotics.

- Cultural materials unsuitable to Vietnamese society.

Climate

Laos enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons - the rainy season from the beginning of May to the end of September and dry season from October through to April. The yearly average temperature is about 28 C, rising to a maximum of 38 C in April and May. In Vientiane minimum temperatures of 19 C are to be expected in January. In mountainous areas, however, temperatures drop to 14-15 C during the winter months, and in cold nights easily reach the freezing point. In southwest Laos, the monsoon starts from May or June to October. Exceptions from this are Xieng Khuang, Hua Phan and Phongsali Provinces. There are able to receive rainfall coming from Vietnam and China during the months of April and May. The average precipitation is highest in southern Laos, where the Annamite Mountains receive over 3000 mm annually. In Vientiane rainfall is about 1500-2000 mm, and in the Northern provinces only 1000-1500 mm.

Health EQuipment

No vaccinations are presently required other than the usual requirements if having recently traveled in a yellow fever affected area. If traveling to remote or border areas, travelers should check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against Typhoid, Cholera, Dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, rabies, tetanus and Japanese encephalitis.

In any case, the best prevention is not to get bitten by mosquitoes:

- Sleep with a mosquito net outside towns.

- Wear long sleeves and trousers around dusk.

- Use plenty of strong insect repellant - some brands can be applied directly on clothing.